Buehrle joins MLB elite with perfectionSouthpaw rolls past Rays for 18th perfect game in historyBy David Just / Special to MLB.com
07/23/09 4:20 PM ET
Box >CHICAGO -- Pitching with his usual finesse and fast pace,
Mark Buehrle tossed a perfect game Thursday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field, leading the White Sox to a 5-0 win over the Rays.It was the second no-hitter of Buehrle's career, the last occurring on April 18, 2007, against the Rangers. He is the first player since Randy Johnson to throw multiple no-hitters, and the first to throw a perfect game since Johnson did it on May 18, 2004.The Rays were barely able to make hard contact against Buehrle. Only three batters lined out, while the rest sprayed weak popups and fly balls to the outfield.
Gabe Kapler led off the ninth inning and lined Buehrle's pitch to deep center field, but Dewayne Wise leaped at the wall to make the catch and preserve the left-hander's perfection.
Buehrle struck out six batters and recorded 11 ground ball outs. The 28,036 in attendance cheered after each out, and the cheers grew louder as the possibility of a perfect game drew nearer.
Making his first start of the second half,
Buehrle (11-3) is looking to win 20 games in a season for the first time in his career. Thursday's outing should go a long way.
The White Sox offense wasted little time getting to Rays starter Scott Kazmir (4-6). Josh Fields, making only his fourth start in July, belted a grand slam to left on Kazmir's 3-1 offering, giving Buehrle all the cushion he needed.
Scott Podsednik and Alexei Ramirez hit back-to-back doubles down the right field line to lead off the fifth and provide an unnecessary insurance run.
David Just is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. 
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Subject: Congrats to Mark Buehrle and his Perfect Game 
Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:22 am
